Quantum computing is still early-stage; real-world applications and winners are unclear, making stock picking risky after recent price surges. Defiance Quantum ETF offers diversified exposure to quantum and AI tech, balancing risk and potential upside better than individual quantum stocks. Compared to QQQ, QTUM captures quantum-driven alpha while maintaining broad tech exposure, making it a compelling portfolio addition.
QTUM ETF offers exposure to quantum computing and machine learning, but isn't a pure quantum play; it's a mix of tech, semiconductors, and some defense stocks. Despite dilution from non-core holdings, I see value in QTUM as a small, diversified addition, especially for access to potential high-growth small caps. Quantum computing's future is uncertain, but an ETF approach is safer than picking individual stocks, as winners will be weighted higher over time.
Quantum Computing is emerging as an increasingly established technology, reminiscent of the early days of AI. The QTUM ETF has a 40% exposure to quantum computing while maintaining controlled, well-balanced exposure to info tech, with a majority in large and mid-caps (only 10% small caps). The results of QBTS, along with the outlook shared during the earnings call and at Qubits 2025, provide a concrete view of the growth potential in the quantum computing sector.
Defiance Quantum ETF is more of a diversified tech fund with a quantum flavor, featuring big tech stocks and some quantum companies. The fund's passive strategy follows the BlueStar Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index, rebalancing in June and December. Valuation metrics show a high weighted P/E ratio of 30, making it hard to justify a Buy due to the need for substantial earnings growth.
QTUM's holdings have shifted from pure-play quantum computing and AI/ML firms to diversified large-cap companies, diluting its original investment focus. I initially rated QTUM as a buy for aggressive investors, but now downgrade it to a hold due to these changes. The fund's new top holdings, like Alibaba and Orange, do not align with the quantum and AI/ML focus, creating a "drag."
QTUM ETF tracks the BlueStar Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index, holding 73 stocks in the quantum computing sector with a 0.40% expense ratio and 0.60% yield. The benchmark follows a passive selection process for quantum computing-related stocks, setting it apart from other ETFs. It is exposed to large and mid-caps, with global exposure, tilted towards the U.S., and significant holdings in Japan.
The Defiance Quantum ETF offers diversified exposure to quantum computing and related tech sectors, balancing speculative and established companies. QTUM's historical performance has outpaced broader tech and S&P 500 indices, demonstrating its strong blend of growth and speculative potential. Despite high valuations in the industry, QTUM's diversified portfolio positions investors to benefit from future quantum computing breakthroughs, while maintaining appreciation prospects in the meantime. Thus, our 'Buy' rating.
Quantum computing, still in its infancy, promises revolutionary capabilities in niche tasks like molecular modeling and cryptography, attracting significant investor interest. The Defiance Quantum ETF holds 70 firms in quantum computing and machine learning, offering diversified exposure to this speculative yet potentially lucrative sector. Despite high volatility and its speculative nature, QTUM mitigates risk through diversification, balancing winners and losers to provide more stable returns.
2024 marked significant innovation in ETFs, with thematic products, single-name leveraged funds, and options-based income generation gaining traction among retail investors. Sylvia Jablonski, CEO and CIO of Defiance ETFs, highlights quantum computing and AI as themes with long-term potential.
Investors who want a quantum computing ETF should brush up on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet; where Juliet separates the Romeo she loves from the Montague name her family hates. Similarly, investors should separate the ETF named Defiance Quantum with its quantum computing marketing content from the portfolio that's only 6% quantum and 94% generic tech.
The Defiance Quantum ETF has benefited from net fund flows as it seems to have benefited from positive news sentiment around the quantum computing theme in December 2024. In reality, QTUM has limited specific exposure to quantum computing stocks, which is favorable to avoid hype and overvaluation risks. The Fund is actually a broad technology and semiconductors ETF in disguise. I think it may benefit from a positive semis outlook and lower rates in 2025.
The technology sector typically allows investors to tap into the best and brightest ideas in the stock market, with each advance making it to the top of the list of holdings in the NASDAQ 100 index. While 2024 was dominated mostly by artificial intelligence and semiconductor stocks, it looks like 2025 has a new ace up its sleeve in innovation.